Skating's Future in Television

[Isk8NYC]

This is an interesting article about the ISU and USFSA's agreements with television networks. Come Spring 2007, the USFSA's current contract with ABC/ESPN expires. There are many issues: waning interest, "less desirable" demographics, and funding of competitions.

Key point - it explains the Marshall's "CheeseFest" we all know and love/hate/despise.

http://www.latimes.com/sports/olympics/la-spw-olyhersh6dec06,0,7760019.story

[NCSkater02]

The times I watch skating on TV, it can be three hours of programming, but maybe an hour of actual skating. Most of it is taken up by interviews, vignettes (spelled wrong?) and commercials.

Why watch, when I see one skater and can walk away, come back ten minutes later and still not see the next one? Too much other crap. Most of it is not shown live, so there is no reason for all the delays.

Another thing...in a three hour program, why only show the top two to three finishers? Show more of the up and coming. I realize advertizing is important for the bucks, but get rid of Dick Button who never seems to say anything positive, and show more skating!!

Just my opinion, and why I don't watch more. That, I always forget to check the schedule.

[Isk8NYC]

I agree about checking the schedule, although I did send HeatherK an early christmas donation for her terrific website/schedule. If I didn't have a recorder that records anything skating related, I'd have missed the Olympics! I watch almost everything from the recordings and I like skipping the nonsense and commericals.

Wouldn't it be more inexpensive to produce competition coverage that shows the competitors? I guess that the network's trying to attract non-dedicated viewers with the interviews, profiles, and scenery tours.

[loveskating]

This is an interesting article about the ISU and USFSA's agreements with television networks. Come Spring 2007, the USFSA's current contract with ABC/ESPN expires. There are many issues: waning interest, "less desirable" demographics, and funding of competitions.

Key point - it explains the Marshall's "CheeseFest" we all know and love/hate/despise.

http://www.latimes.com/sports/olympics/la-spw-olyhersh6dec06,0,7760019.story


Speak for yourself. I enjoyed it, mostly because I could see Sasha skate.

[Isk8NYC]

Speak for yourself. I enjoyed it, mostly because I could see Sasha skate.Personally, I agree - I love it. The competitors seem more relaxed and friendly, plus we get to see costumes and programs that won't be used in the "serious" comps.

Since I know others hate (or despise) it, I gave it as a choice-of-one-or-more option. Sorry you didn't understand what I meant.

[doubletoe]

I never thought I'd be saying this, but I am now actually appreciating the "cheesefests" because, for once, we get to see the skaters holding an edge, doing a fast scratch spin, or doing something simply because it's beautiful and expresses the music. Although I'm a fan of the new judging system for serious competitions, it's really nice to have a chance to just enjoy the beauty of skating rather than sitting there adding up points in my head as I watch someone's program!

[loveskating]

I never thought I'd be saying this, but I am now actually appreciating the "cheesefests" because, for once, we get to see the skaters holding an edge, doing a fast scratch spin, or doing something simply because it's beautiful and expresses the music. Although I'm a fan of the new judging system for serious competitions, it's really nice to have a chance to just enjoy the beauty of skating rather than sitting there adding up points in my head as I watch someone's program!

I don't do that, or if I do, its more intuitive, as I appreicate the elements and the overall programs as in "oops, popped a jump" or "don't like that wrap" or "jeeze, she seems very tight."

I enjoy Mao Asada's skating a lot, but no one compares to Sasha, IMHO.